Edinburgh College Students Triumph at Scottish Chefs Nespresso Professional Student Coffee Challenge

Jenny MacLeod, Eileen Ingle, and Emilia Lawandowska from Edinburgh College, Milton Campus, have been crowned winners of the Annual Scottish Chefs Nespresso Professional Student Coffee Challenge. The talented trio received their prize during the prestigious Scottish Chefs 30th Anniversary Celebration Lunch, held at Murrayfield. Their winning recipes will feature in the special anniversary cookbook, marking a milestone year for Scottish Chefs.

A Celebration of Culinary Talent

Scottish Chefs, the official National Organisation for chefs in Scotland and a member of The World Association of Chefs Societies, partnered with Nespresso Professional to inspire and nurture the next generation of culinary stars. The challenge required student teams to create an afternoon tea selection complemented by Nespresso coffee within a two-hour time limit. The competition showcased a blend of traditional and modern cooking methods, focusing on skill, creativity, and presentation.

Gary Shanks, Nespresso Account Manager for the East of Scotland, said: “It was a privilege to once again support this competition, and help support the next generation of culinary superstars. It was inspiring to see the skills and imagination on display to create incredible menus to complement our coffee. When food is this delicious, being able to offer the best coffee is something we feel extremely passionate about. Congratulations to the winners from Edinburgh College, the standard was so high, so they should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”

Joe Queen, Chair of The Scottish Chefs Culinary Committee, said: “It was very encouraging to see the interest from colleges throughout Scotland that participated. The support that the young chefs and servers received from their respective college lecturers was fantastic. And then from the students came the imagination, the innovation and the team work to help produce brilliant Afternoon Teas. Scottish Chefs now hope now that this competition can go from strength to strength and help build up an array of talented youngsters.  Well done to   Edinburgh Milton College campus who also were very worthy winners last year, there must be something in the Edinburgh air! We all look forward to next year.” 

The Scottish Chefs 30th anniversary celebration lunch took place at Murrayfield recognising 30 years of promoting excellence in all areas of the hospitality industry in Scotland. Mairi Gougeon MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands joined as guest speaker.